TURNING AND CIRCLING. 



133 



foot, SO as to increase the base of support, and to 

 avoid the inconvenience of crossing the legs. As the 

 leading fore leg, at the canter and gallop, has to sup- 

 port the entire weight of the body for a compara- 

 tively long period during each stride, and as it becomes 

 much more extended to the front than the non-leading 

 fore leg; the horse, in order to turn comfortably and 

 safely at these paces, should lead with the inward 



Fig. 192. — Turning at Polo. 



fore leg. Thus, we see that the pony which is turning 

 to the left in Fig. 193, is leading with his near fore; 

 and the one which is turning to the right in Fig. 194, 

 is leading with his off fore. If a horse leads with the out- 

 ward leg when turning at the canter or gallop, he is very 

 apt to cross his legs and fall. In order that the leading 

 fore leg may have full forward reach when turning at 

 these paces, the rider should avoid bringing the horse's 

 head round to the inward side ; because, if he does this, 



